By Marissa Wu
How I Vetted the Best Products for Redness and Rosacea
I spoke with Dr. Turner and Viavattine about the best treatments for rosacea and redness, key ingredients that would help calm inflammation, products they like and things you should avoid. These criteria guided my search as I researched different brands and over-the-counter treatments. As someone who used to have a fair amount of redness on my forehead and nose, I looked at my own vanity to see which products have been working for me. I also consulted PureWow Senior Food Editor, Katherine Gillen, and Senior Editor, Dana Dickey, about the products they swear by as people with rosacea.
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BEST CLEANSER FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
1. Dr. Loretta Cleanser
WHAT WE LIKE
gentle
marine peptides hydrate and chamomile calms
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
some buyers found smell unpleasant
“I have rosacea type 2 (There are four types! Who knew?). I am a huge fan of the Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, which I’ve used for three years and running. It’s not a rosacea product per se, but it’s so gentle and good at cleansing my skin without stripping it or leaving it red,” Gillen shares.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: marine peptides, chamomile essential oil, hydrolyzed algin
BEST TONER FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
2. Farmacy Honey Milk Hydrating Essence
WHAT WE LIKE
packed with hydrating ingredients to calm skin, soothe redness and strengthen skin barrier
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
a little pricey
According to Viavattine, honey is a calming ingredient, and in Farmacy’s hydrating toner, it’s the star of the show. Farmacy uses Hawaiian white honey, which is clinically proven to nourish and hydrate. As someone with dry skin, I can attest that this viscous toner is indeed hydrating, and I love how it calms the redness on my forehead and nose after I’ve washed my face. It’s also a go-to when I want to double (or triple) up on hydration before applying makeup. Other key ingredients include chamomile (which has soothing antioxidants) and ceramides that support the skin barrier.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: chamomile, Hawaiian white honey
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
3. TRNR Niacinamide 5% Serum
WHAT WE LIKE
reduces redness and inflammation
regulates oil production
dermatologist-formulated
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
pricey compared to similar serums
TRNR’s niacinamide serum was another product I picked up in hopes of controlling the redness on my nose and forehead, and I can vouch that it works. Because it also regulates oil production, I’ve noticed that while I still experience breakouts, they are less severe. This dermatologist-formulated serum also contains bakuchiol to address fine lines and wrinkles, as well as adaptogens like mushroom and turmeric, which protect the skin from environmental stressors.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: vitamin B3 (niacinamide), glycerin, bakuchiol
BEST HYALURONIC ACID FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
WHAT WE LIKE
affordable
features hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin B
lightweight
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
can be drying if not applied to damp face
In addition to ingredients like ceramides, squalane and glycerin, hyaluronic acid is a staple for packing in moisture. I like Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost serum because it also includes vitamin B5 and glycerin, two other hydrating powerhouses. Plus, it’s lightweight, fragrance-free and you can find it under $20.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin
BEST AZELAIC ACID FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
5. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension
WHAT WE LIKE
affordable
dermatologist-approved
high azelaic acid concentration
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
very thick formula can pill under makeup
While I was researching the best products for redness and rosacea, The Ordinary’s azelaic acid kept popping up, so I had to get the scoop. Newsflash: It’s dermatologist approved. Dr. Turner even told me that he’ll often recommend this product to patients as a backup if their insurance won’t cover prescription azelaic acid. The formula contains 10 percent azelaic acid, which is the highest you can get over the counter. (Prescriptions are 15 percent.)
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: azelaic acid
BEST VITAMIN C FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
6. Stratia C+C Serum
WHAT WE LIKE
two types of vitamin C
non-irritating
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
vitamin C concentration may be a little high (15 percent)
“If I’m feeling fancy and have time, I like the Stratia C+C serum,” Gillen shares. “It’s the only vitamin C that hasn’t caused irritation for me, but I’m still pretty careful and only use it every few days.” Dr. Turner adds that those with rosacea should tread carefully with vitamin C, as Gillen does, because the acidity can irritate the skin. On the flip side, he notes that the vitamin’s antioxidant properties can treat free radicals that may be causing flare ups. Stratia’s formulation contains two types of vitamin C: L- ascorbic acid and the oil-soluble (and more stable) Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate that fight free radicals and brighten the complexion.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, Coenzyme Q10, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate
BEST EXFOLIANT FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
7. Tatcha The Rice Polish
WHAT WE LIKE
rice bran and silk provide moisture, antioxidants and vitamins
papaya enzymes remove dead skin cells
gentle
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
contains lactic acid, so some may find it harsh
People with rosacea and redness don’t want to exfoliate too often, if at all, because it’s a process that will irritate the skin. Gillen exfoliates sparingly, but when she does, she reaches for Tatcha’s The Rice Polish. It does contain the AHA lactic acid, so do a patch test before using it on your entire face. Though, Gillen attests: “It’s really gentle and leaves my skin feeling soft.” That’s thanks to the silk, which conditions the skin and minimizes dryness and flaking.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: rice bran, hydrolyzed silk protein, papaya enzymes
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH CERAMIDES FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
8. TRNR Prebiotic Lipid Moisturizer
WHAT WE LIKE
ceramides and squalene create rich (but not oily) cream
boosts skin’s microbiome
keep skin clear and soft
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
expensive
Ceramides are another workhorse when it comes to hydration, and TRNR’s Prebiotic Lipid Moisturizer is my favorite. (Though, at $48, it’s a pricey 1.7 ounces that I’m guilty of hoarding.) Squalane and ceramides pack in the moisture, while yacon root and inulin boost the skin’s microbiome. It promises clearer, softer skin, and I can attest that my skin always looks the best whenever I’m using it, as opposed to rotating through the endless samples on my vanity.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: ceramides, squalene, yacon root, inulin
BEST AFFORDABLE MOISTURIZER FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
9. CeraVe Baby Cream
WHAT WE LIKE
affordable
multi-purpose
Approved by National Eczema Association
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
some buyers say there is a light chemical scent
Gillen tells me that she’ll rotate between different moisturizers, and CeraVe is her pick for nighttime and winter. (Bonus points because she can use it on her baby, too.) Doesn’t hurt that it’s under $15, either. The formula contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides for a long-lasting hydration boost. It’s also a recipient of the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which requires rigorous third-party testing for approval.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid
BEST DRUGSTORE MOISTURIZER FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
10. Vanicream Facial Moisturizer
WHAT WE LIKE
loaded with hydration
affordable
fragrance-free
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
those with dry skin may want thicker formula
“This is a good all-purpose, unscented moisturizer that's available at most drugstores,” Gillen says. It’s lightweight and fragrance-free with five types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin—all heavyweights in the hydration department.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides
BEST CLEANSER WITH SULFUR FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
11. Kate Sommerville EradiKate Sulfur Cleanser
WHAT WE LIKE
sulfur can kill demodex mites
hydrates skin
helps control acne and perioral dermatitis
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
some buyers say smell is unpleasant
One of the causes of rosacea are demodex mites, which can live on the surface of the skin. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can kill the mites, which is why Viavattine has cited it as an effective skincare ingredient. If your rosacea is caused by said mites, try the Kate Sommerville sulfur cleanser, whose whipped texture promises to keep the skin hydrated and balanced. It also addresses blackheads, sebaceous filaments, perioral dermatitis and acne. Sounds like a stellar multi-tasker to me.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: sulfur, oat extract, honey extract, rice bran extract
BEST CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
12. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
WHAT WE LIKE
affordable
non-greasy
high SPF
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
some say it leaves the face feeling tacky
“For SPF, I use the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel because it doesn’t sting or leave a white cast,” Gillen says. “I’ve tried mineral sunscreens, which are supposed to be gentler, but I find that the zinc dries my skin out.” Gillen’s favorite sunscreen features SPF 50 with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and centella extract. It’s also non-greasy and quick-drying.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: astaxanthin, centella asiatica extract, fig fruit extract, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
BEST MINERAL SPF FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
13. Kate Sommerville HydraKate Illumination SPF Drops
WHAT WE LIKE
high SPF
soothes skin and evens the complexion
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
expensive
According to Dr. Turner, zinc can calm the skin, so mineral sunscreen is usually a winner. If you want a two-for-one, SPF-as-makeup setup, try the Kate Sommerville Illumination Drops. It has SPF 50, soothing ecotin and sheer mineral pigments that will even out your skin tone and add a little glow.
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: zinc oxide, ecotin
BEST FOUNDATION FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
14. MAC Studio Radiance Serum
WHAT WE LIKE
extensive shade range
won’t become cakey or build up
hydrating ingredients
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
some buyers say it may not suit dry skin
“MAC’s Studio Radiance serum is my essential non-cakey looking makeup base. There are 56 colors available, so you’re likely to find an exact color match for the non-rosacea parts of your skin tone. The formula is water-based and, importantly, buildable. I apply a few layers of the serum (it has a thin consistency) on the red areas of my face and one layer on non-irritated areas. The results look natural. This is the only makeup I’ve found that truly evens out my skin tone without looking fake or building up around areas that are bumpy.” - PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: glycerin, olive oil, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract
BEST COLOR CORRECTOR FOR REDNESS AND ROSACEA
15. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment
WHAT WE LIKE
evens complexion
functions as a primer for makeup
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
may feel greasy on oily skin
PureWow Content Creator Kate Kesselman reviewed Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment on an episode of Take My Money. The verdict: The cream effectively neutralized the redness on Kesselman’s nose and functioned as a primer, allowing her makeup to glide on more seamlessly. It starts off green and then transitions to beige to even the complexion. The standout ingredient is tiger grass, an herbal remedy used to treat wounds. The color corrector also has SPF 50 (by way of zinc).
FAST FACTS
Key Ingredients: tiger grass, centella asiatica, niacinamide, glycerine
What to Consider When Shopping for Products for Rosacea and Redness
If you struggle with redness and think you may have rosacea, Dr. Turner’s chief advice is to get yourself an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. He explains that prescription treatments (like azelaic acid, metronidazole, doxycycline and topical ivermectin) may be most effective in treating the condition.
Over the counter, Viavattine notes that some beneficial ingredients for calming irritated skin include sulfur, peptides, aloe, allantoin, niacinamide (5 percent max), azelaic acid, oats and mineral SPF with zinc oxide. Dr. Turner calls out azelaic acid as particularly effective, along with niacinamide.
“Niacinamide is great to calm the skin, soothe redness and restore of the skin barrier. Anytime we’re supporting the skin barrier and microbiome, that helps calm skin and treat inflammation.” Ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid are beneficial in repairing the skin barrier as well.
However, before you go stock up on new products, know that the best skincare routine for redness and rosacea is a simplified one. That means skipping ingredients that may irritate like AHAs, BHAs and retinol. Viavattine also cautions against astringents, physical exfoliants, alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus oil.
